In loving memory ~
Alan Gaylard (Gay)MacDonald Stewart 83, of Courtenay BC passed away March 12, 2025 surrounded by family.
Gay was born October 27, 1942, in Duncan BC, to Alan and Suzanne Stewart (nee Hadwen). Grandson to Ellen and Ronald Stewart of Comox BC and great grandson to Ellen and JB Holmes, settlers to Comox BC in the 1880's.
He went to high school in Port Alberni as well as Duncan. After graduation Gaylard joined the merchant navy at 18 as an engine boy and toured on the Norwegian Cargo Ship M.V Haltor Virik. Upon his return he had stints in pulp mills and logging until he was accepted at the University of Western Washington where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts, then on to UBC completing his Law degree in 1970. He met his first wife Sheila Brydon in Vancouver, they married in North Vancouver in 1969, then moved to Campbell River where they welcomed their two children, Karyn and Andrew and he practiced law for over 20 years.
He met and married his second wife Helma Kussauer in 1986 in Campbell River. Although they enjoyed fishing, successful careers and had a large circle of friends, they moved back to the Cowichan Valley to manage Amblecote a 65-acre family holly farm on Quamichan Lake as the 3rd generation. Here he continued his law practice but started their farming journey. They had cows, chickens, ducks, gardens, a vibrant roadside stand and were regulars at the farmer's market.
Upon retirement he and Helma built their dream home and surrounding gardens. Travel and a smaller home had them returning to Campbell River. They continued to add to Gaylard's extensive list travelling throughout Europe, Scandinavia, the UK, US as well as snow birding in Mexico.
Among Gay's favorite pleasures were listening to country and Hawaiian music, red wine, Caribou beer, a well-made gin & tonic, maintaining an orderly life marked by a meticulous filing system, turning a compost pile, and an unwavering commitment to oil changes every 6 months (even when he only drove 1000km). He always welcomed a good bull shit and was known for his straightforward advice, often delivered from behind his desk, over the dinner table or from the seat of his tractor... well anywhere really...
Gaylard kept a daily journal, dating back to the late 60's. If you ever met Gaylard, you should know your pedigree, nationality, and profession were all recorded along with anything he may have liked or disliked about you, all archived in the 20+ banana boxes.
After losing his faithful sidekick Helma in 2022, whom he missed desperately, Gaylard moved to Oceanfront Village in Courtenay to be closer to family. He enjoyed frequent home cooked meals with family, "scooting" the neighbourhood collecting garbage, solitaire and bantering with the staff and Care Aids.
Gaylard was a Salty Sea Dog, reserved unpolished and unapologetic. Those who were able to penetrate the gruff exterior were his champions and was very grateful for their friendships.
He wasn't everybody's gin & tonic, but taught us patience, compassion for people with mobility challenges, empathy for those in pain and enjoyment of his satisfying grin when a well-timed quip, landed just right.
Gaylard is survived by his brother Ron, daughter Karyn (Dave) their dogs aka "nutlickers", son Andrew and stepson Ralph Kussauer (Denise). Grandchildren Brittany, Rachel, Cole, Sam, Alex, Scarlett Rose, Raven and Dennae. Great grandchildren, Charlotte, Adelyn, Jack and Samuel, cousins, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his wife Helma in 2022, and stepson Ziggy in 2018.
Special thanks for the patience shown by the Island Health Care Aids/Nurses, Oceanfront Village, Paramedics and anyone who crossed his path. Celebration of life at a later date.